On September 15, 2025, the U.S. Army made waves by deploying its cutting-edge Typhon Mid-Range Capability weapon system to Japan, signaling a bold shift in its Indo-Pacific strategy. Unveiled during the Resolute Dragon 25 exercises at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, this powerful system, operated by the Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, is designed to fire Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 interceptors. From its strategic position, the Typhon’s Tomahawk missiles can strike targets across the East China Sea and even parts of China’s coastline, escalating tensions as Beijing and Moscow voice strong objections.
The Typhon system is a mobile, trailer-mounted launcher built for versatility. Each battery includes four launchers, a Battery Operations Center, reload trailers, and support vehicles, all towed by the rugged M983A4 Oshkosh tactical truck for rapid repositioning. Designed to be air-transportable by C-17 aircraft, Typhon can be deployed to remote Pacific outposts. Its Tomahawk missiles boast a range of up to 1,600 kilometers, while the SM-6, originally an air defense interceptor, offers shorter-range, high-speed strikes at 240–320 kilometers. These capabilities allow Typhon to target everything from naval fleets to key infrastructure.
The system integrates seamlessly with joint fire-control networks, enabling coordinated strikes with air and naval forces. Reload trailers ensure sustained operations, while a Battery Support Vehicle handles on-site logistics. Typhon’s mobility and networked design make it a survivable asset in contested environments, a critical feature in the face of advanced anti-access and area-denial threats.
This isn’t Typhon’s first rodeo. In 2024, it was deployed to the Philippines, and in July 2025, it made history during Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia by sinking a maritime target with an SM-6 in its first live-fire test outside the U.S. Germany’s recent request for Typhon in July 2025 underscores growing global demand for this game-changing technology.
Strategically, Typhon’s deployment in Japan shifts the balance of power. Its long-range Tomahawk strikes and rapid SM-6 engagements give U.S. and allied forces new options to counter threats without relying solely on naval or air platforms. However, China has vowed to oppose this move, and Russia has called it destabilizing. As Japan ramps up its own missile programs, the Indo-Pacific is becoming a hotspot for a high-stakes missile race.
